Chile contributes to global knowledge on avocado quality and competitiveness

The team from the Postharvest Unit at INIA La Platina contributed a chapter to the third edition of the book *The Avocado: Botany, Production and Uses* , focusing on optimizing postharvest avocado handling. Their research addresses key aspects such as overall fruit quality, the use of controlled atmospheres, and traceability—essential tools for strengthening avocado competitiveness in international markets.

Bruno Defilippi, director of INIA La Platina and a post-harvest specialist, emphasized that implementing new research-based practices will significantly improve the quality of exported avocados. Factors such as irrigation management, nutrition, and monitoring the optimal harvest time are crucial for extending post-harvest shelf life and reducing losses during transport.

The study also highlights the importance of controlled and modified atmospheres, as well as chemical and physical treatments that help preserve the freshness of avocados during long-distance transport. Furthermore, it underscores the crucial role of traceability in the industry, enabling food safety and improving consumer confidence in international markets.

For INIA, this contribution not only reinforces its role as a leader in agricultural research, but also demonstrates its commitment to innovation and development in the agri-food sector. With these improvements, Chile seeks to consolidate its position as a key player in avocado exports, focusing on quality and efficiency throughout the production and marketing chain.

Source: portalfruticola.com